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Why do big Superstars like to boogie?

During Raw’s latest trip to Las Vegas, Brodus Clay and Tensai were set to compete in a lingerie pillow fight courtesy of the Raw Roulette wheel. After Tensai left to change his attire, however, Vickie Guerrero and Clay decided to spin the wheel again and it landed on “dance-off.” The Funkasaurus — and the WWE Universe — breathed a sigh of relief, but Tensai was unaware of the change.

Tensai didn’t realize the ruse until after he was already wearing lingerie and in the ring. But following some encouragement from Clay, The Funkadactyls and the WWE Universe, it was clear — the massive Superstar could definitely bust-a-move. Two nights later on WWE Main Event, Tensai once again proved he’s got rhythm after defeating Titus O’Neil, dancing alongside The Funkasaurus, Naomi and Cameron.

The sudden change in Tensai’s demeanor brings up an age-old question when looking back through WWE history — a question last pondered following Brodus Clay’s debut in January 2012 — why do big Superstars like to boogie? ( PHOTOS OF WWE'S DANCING SUPERSTARS | WATCH PLAYLIST)

The arrival of The Funkasaurus was highly anticipated and for weeks then–Interim Raw General Manager and Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis hyped the imminent debut. Clay boogied his way to the ring, flanked by The Funkadactyls and an arsenal of smooth moves. Surely, the WWE Universe was just as perplexed as Clay’s opponent, Curt Hawkins, and did not take the Superstar hailing from “Planet Funk” seriously.

However, once the bell rang, the so-called “Funkasaurus” proved to Hawkins and every Superstar watching that he may like to bust a move, but he is certainly a formidable competitor. The 375-pound Clay was agile and powerful, and decisively earned a victory over Hawkins. Following his first victory, the large Superstar once again delighted the WWE Universe by showing off his funky side.

As proven by Tensai’s newfound proclivity to boogie, Clay is definitely not the first Superstar behemoth to “get their groove on” before, after or even during a match.

PN News, Dusty Rhodes, Akeem, Mabel, Golga and Rikishi are just a handful of larger WWE Superstars of the past who were known to break out into dance with or without their own unique musical accompaniment. But make no mistake — just because these bigger brutes liked to boogie, that did not mean they weren’t skilled competitors and did not get down to business when necessary. ( WATCH AKEEM'S DANCING DEBUT)

A prime example of this came during the Royal Rumble Match in 2000. With all the entrants eliminated except for Rikishi and Too Cool, the trio performed their trademark dance for the enjoyment of the WWE Universe. However, once the dance number was complete, Rikishi got back to business and flattened his enemies in ring corners.

Given this history, there is no doubt a question of what compels these larger-than-life ring warriors to embrace their fancy footwork on the dance floor to complement their abilities in the squared circle.

There is truly no clear answer to this phenomenon, but it may have something to do with the smiles and cheers coming from the WWE Universe each time a Superstar’s music plays and they shuffle their way to the ring. The logical answer could be revealed by looking at other WWE Superstars like Randy Orton and John Cena.

WWE’s Apex Predator taps into something deep down — the voices in his head that seemingly bring him to another realm and allow him to become a dominant force in WWE. Twelve-time World Champion John Cena feeds off the energy of the WWE Universe, rising above hate and embracing his core values of Hustle, Loyalty and Respect to face any challenge.

Dancing may be the way in which massive competitors such as Rikishi and Brodus Clay channel the energy of the WWE Universe and use it to dominate their opponents and now Tensai appears to be trying that approach. Perhaps by tapping into the WWE Universe’s excitement, Tensai’s momentum could conceivably boogie all the way to a championship reign.